One of my biggest knitting purls of wisdom is simple:
Use the good stuff.
By “good,” I don’t mean the most expensive yarn or the fanciest tools on the market. I mean materials that feel good to you, fit within your budget, and make you actually want to pick up your knitting.
Because here’s the truth:
You are far more likely to enjoy knitting (and continue to knit) when you like what’s in your hands.
Good Doesn’t Have to Mean Expensive
Let’s get this out of the way first: using good materials does not mean overspending or being irresponsible.
“Good” is relative.
- Good for your budget
- Good for your hands
- Good for the project you’re making
If acrylic yarn or budget needles are what allow you to knit right now, that’s okay. But as your skills grow and your preferences evolve, it’s worth experimenting with materials that enhance the experience.
Knitting takes time. Choosing materials that make that time enjoyable is part of valuing the craft.
Why Yarn Feel Matters More Than You Think
Knitting is a tactile hobby. You are touching the yarn constantly — for hours.
For many knitters, animal fibers simply feel better in the hands than plant or synthetic fibers. Wool, alpaca, silk, and blends tend to have more elasticity, warmth, and grip, which can make stitches easier to form and fabric more forgiving.
Plant fibers and synthetics absolutely have their place — especially for:
- Summer garments
- Dishcloths
- Baby items
- Budget-friendly projects
But they often behave differently:
- Cotton and linen have very little elasticity
- Acrylic can feel squeaky or slippery on needles, which makes sense because it’s plastic
- Bamboo yarn can split easily
One notable exception: nylon.
A small amount of nylon blended with wool is fantastic for socks and other high-wear items. It adds durability without sacrificing comfort.
Better Tools Can Make Knitting Easier
Yarn gets most of the attention, but needles and notions matter too.
Smooth needles can reduce hand fatigue.
Well-made stitch markers don’t snag.
Comfortable needles make long knitting sessions easier on your wrists.
These upgrades don’t have to happen all at once. Many knitters slowly replace tools over time as they discover what they like — wood vs. metal, sharp tips vs. rounded, flexible cords vs. stiff ones.
Good tools remove friction — literally and figuratively.
You will use your tools over and over again, and the knitting doesn’t have to be permanent either!
Not All Yarn Is Created Equal
Big box craft stores are wonderful for accessibility. They introduce people to knitting, provide variety, and make crafting more affordable. There is absolutely a place for them.
That said, specialty yarn sources often offer a very different experience.
At some point in your knitting journey, I highly recommend trying yarn from:
- Yarn-focused online shops
- Independent yarn brands
- Your local yarn store (LYS)
Specialty yarn often has:
- Better fiber quality
- Thoughtful blends
- More consistent dyeing
- Helpful pattern suggestions
Even just one skein can be eye-opening.
While we all love the big box craft stores for their aisles and aisles of crafty things, not all yarn is created equal. At some point, I encourage you to try some yarn from shops that specialize in yarn, like Knit Picks, Jimmy Beans Wool, Purl Soho, Eat Sleep Knit, etc. or your local yarn store (LYS).
Precious Yarn Is Meant to Be Used
If you’ve ever bought a skein you were “saving for something special,” this is your reminder:
That special project is now.
Yarn sitting unused doesn’t bring joy. Yarn being knitted does. And yarn can be re-used if you change your mind.
Use the good stuff. Enjoy the texture, the drape, the process. Knitting is about more than the finished object — it’s about how it feels to make it.
The Bottom Line
You don’t have to knit with luxury yarn to be a “real” knitter.
You don’t have to replace everything you own.
But when you can, choose materials that:
- Feel good in your hands
- Fit your budget
- Make you excited to knit
Because the more you enjoy the process, the more likely you are to keep going — one stitch at a time.
More Purls of Wisdom
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